We Aren’t Having a Bridal Party – Here’s What I Did Instead
*2022 UPDATE*
Almost two years later and we finally got married! Thanks, COVID. Our wedding plans looked a little different and a little smaller. Looking back on this idea, I wouldn’t change it. But I would have given rings to some real deserving women in my life. Caleb and I opted to semi-elope in Estes Park, Colorado with less than 10 people. I wanted more than anything for my best friends to be there, but after waiting so long, we were just ready to get married.
I spent weeks trying to find bridal party alternatives. Outside of my Maid of Honor and Caleb’s Best Man, we aren’t having a bridal party, but I still wanted to do something special for my best ladies. We decided to get married mountainside in Breckenridge, Colorado with less than 30 people so it didn’t make sense for us to have a full blown bridal party. However, I wanted to include some of my best friends in the festivities. I seriously spent weeks trying to find something that said “hey, I love you, you’re my best friend, join in if you want!” There was seriously nothing. I found one article about asking your ladies to be your “non-bridesmaids”, but how off putting does that sound?
With zero help from Pinterest, I was back at the drawing board. The only thing that came to my mind was just telling each person how much I love them. I wanted to give each person something unique and memorable to that they could have it between now and the wedding. Something tangible that would still be here even after the vows. I originally thought about giving each girl matching mountain rings, but I thought that was too basic. Instead, I set out to find unique turquoise rings from Etsy. Rings that I felt matched each friend’s style and personality. Each ring beautiful, each ring is different, and each ring important – just like my circle.
After waiting two months for the last ring to arrive from BFE, I wrote each girl a letter about what they bring to my life, why I love them, and an invitation to join in an any wedding stuff – no expensive dress, no obligatory bridal shower, no gifts, and no expectations.
Each letter was printed on 5×7″ card stock and two slits were cut on the sides to wrap satin ribbon through. I used the ribbon the tie the ring in place and just like that I had my idea. Check out the below photos for what I came up with! If you’re not having a bridal party, but aren’t sure how to honor your ladies, this is the perfect way to say “hey, I love you, you’re my best friend, join in if you want!”
Did you do anything similar for your best friends? What unique ideas did you incorporate into your small, intimate wedding?
I bet they loved your personalized gifts. This is such a cool idea and who doesn’t love turquoise. Which Etsy did you get the fourth ring from?
Thank you so much, Trisha!
I got it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/679358554/turquoise-ring-sterling-silver-925?ref=yr_purchases
They all loved them so much! Are you thinking about doing the same idea?
I absolutely love this idea! Did you ask all of the ladies for their ring sizes? How did you go about that?
Hey Tanina!
To be honest, I don’t remember how I went about getting their ring sizes. I don’t think I asked them since they were surprised to get them so maybe I asked their SO or went for a size that would fit on one of their fingers (not necessarily their ring finger).